The Special Education Unit at Forbes Public School is a vibrant learning hub, where staff work collaboratively to provide personalised support for students with additional needs, enabling students to be actively connected to their learning, have positive relationships with their teachers and peers and experience a sense of belonging.

Michelle MacGregor is the Assistant Principal for Special Education Unit at Forbes Public School. She believes that recognising and participating in annual World Autism Awareness campaigns, which aim to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, builds a more inclusive world for all.

By encouraging worldwide support and advocating for kindness improves outcomes for not only Forbes Public School students with special needs, but for their families, networks and community as a whole. Michelle went on to say that now, more than ever, “we know the autism community needs support, kindness and compassion.”

This year’s World Autism Awareness Day theme is ‘The Transition to Adulthood.’ The theme aims to engage all in considering what “becoming an adult’ means in terms of social, economic and political value, participation and engagement. The transition from adolescence to adulthood poses a

significant challenge for young people with Autism, especially in terms of opportunities that will help to support social, economic and political participation. It is especially important to understand that young people with Autism often face tremendous difficulties when formal education and other support services cease. The Transition to Adulthood for those with Autism certainly is something that the Forbes community can all benefit from having an awareness of.

Forbes Public School continues to foster authentic and productive partnerships with students and their families, responsive to their needs, in a climate characterised by flexibility, commitment and teamwork.

What is a crime? There are many crimes or offences. A lot are contained in the Crimes Act but many more are contained in other statutes both of the State and Federal Parliaments. The range of offences vary from murder down to parking.

Most criminal matters are commenced by the Police or the Director of Public Prosecutions by way of court attendance notices (formerly known as Police charges/summonses). Those charged with an offence will appear firstly before a magistrate in a local court. In some cases, issues of bail may need to be considered.

Magistrates deal with over 90% of criminal matters summarily, but the more serious offences are committed to the district court or supreme court for trial before a judge and/or jury.

Unlike civil matters, criminal matters must be proved ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ having regard to the elements of the offence. This is when a solicitor’s professional knowledge becomes essential for the client (ie the person charged with an offence).

It should be noted that in civil matters the standard of proof is much less in that the plaintiff usually has to prove their case ‘on the balance of probabilities’.

Police will have a fact sheet (which is not evidence but outlines the Police case) on the first appearance before the court. The fact sheet and instructions from the client will help the solicitor in deciding whether to advise the client to plead guilty or not guilty. Sometimes an adjournment is necessary to obtain further information.

Once a plea is entered, the magistrate may adjourn the matter for hearing, sentence the client, commit the client for trial in a higher court or other options, depending on the seriousness of the offence, and the previous criminal history of the client. For further information contact us.

Catholic Schools Week is being celebrated across the Diocese of Bathurst and Catholic schools will be offering a variety of activities and educational initiatives to showcase their values to members of the community. There are 33 schools in the Bathurst Diocese contributing to the long and rich tradition of quality Catholic schooling in this country.

Having contributed to the fabric of Australian society in the past, Catholic schools continue to strive to partner with families and their local community to provide a holistic, quality education for students.

Founded on the view that each human being is unique, possessing their individual gifts and talents, catholic schools are professional learning communities, relentlessly focused on calling forth and developing each student’s potential.

The 2019 graduating year 12 class.

This year our students demonstrated their personal best yet again. Our Dux, Sophie Cowan was declared an all-rounder because she scored a top band result in 10 or more units. Together our class of 2019 attained five Band 6’s, six Band 5’s and 36 Band 4’s. A stellar achievement.

Our staff are passionate, diligent and committed to each and every student to ensure they have a strong sense of belonging and inclusion.

We offer a balanced approach to learning and develop all-rounders through our extensive extra-curricular programs.

Our wellbeing team work extraordinarily hard to support students emotionally, socially, academically and physically during all their years at high school.

Year 12 worked closely with their mentors to ensure they manage study, eating, rest- ing and socialising at a level that supports their capacity to do their best.

At our school we are proud to be recognised through external validation this year for excelling in leadership and wellbeing. Our peers and colleagues acknowledged that every student is valued, cared for and known at Forbes High School.

Sophie Cowan, 2019 Dux with Principal Safija Britina.

Forbes High School operates as a community of people invested in the future. But don’t take their word for it, the proof is in the ways students access opportunities for lifelong success and is indicated by Sydney University’s preference to send Practice Teachers for internships. Sydney knows this is a school where teachers teach and learners learn; Forbes High School recognises the potential of education to enable, expand and enrich the lives of young learners inside and outside the classroom.

Forbes High School is leading the way in using technology to enrich learning with a future-focussed approach that enables students’ voice and choice. How does this impact on their students? The curriculum is diversified and students are encouraged to grow as creative and critical thinkers.